Everyone experiences stress, sadness and anxiety from time to time – it’s a part of life. These feelings can often happen when you a lose a job, children move away from home, during divorce, with a death in the family, or during retirement.  But when changes in mood and behavior interfere with one’s ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities, it could be a sign of depression.

Depression is a serious medical illness; it’s not something that you have made up in your head. It’s more than just feeling “down in the dumps”or “blue” for a few days. It’s feeling down, low or hopeless for weeks at a time. The reality is, depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults. However, due to stigma and other factors, fewer than half of those suffering actually seek help.

Symptoms of Depression

• Persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

If you or someone you know needs help, Jefferson Center is here.